New exhibition at Arbejdermuseet: Leif Sylvester – Freedom Flies

From September 27, Arbejdermuseet – the Workers Museum – in Copenhagen presents a major retrospective exhibition about the multi-artist Leif Sylvester under the title Leif Sylvester – Freedom Flies. The exhibition covers five decades of work and showcases works in visual arts, music, entertainment, film, and literature.

Leif Sylvester, who turned 85 in April, grew up in difficult circumstances in a two-room apartment in Amager. Despite humble beginnings, he has established himself as a significant cultural figure with a strong social commitment and a lifelong focus on art for and with the people.

The exhibition spans a wide range – from early collages of roofing felt and street circus to newer paintings and sculptures. It also includes lithographs on loan from private collectors, the youngest of whom is only 11 years old.

A central theme in Sylvester’s work is freedom. As a young carpenter, he began to seek alternative ways of living and expressing himself. A pivotal encounter with Erik Clausen in 1969 marked the beginning of a longstanding collaboration characterized by social critique and the desire to bring art to the people. Together, they performed in public spaces and created music and films that have left a lasting impact on Danish culture.

Later, Sylvester has created art in public spaces, including decorations for schools and public housing as well as a gravestone monument for the homeless at Assistens Cemetery. He has consciously worked with affordable art forms such as lithography and poster art to make art accessible to more people.

According to the director of the Workers Museum, Søren Bak-Jensen, it is clear that this museum is the perfect host for the exhibition: “Leif Sylvester’s art is driven by sincerity and an unbridled desire to express himself. He has emerged from the working class and has managed to hold onto his social origins throughout his artistic career.”